A driver’s job is the toughest and most risky ones as he has to be constantly cautious, patient and careful while driving a vehicle. Though he is aware of all the important points that should be followed while driving, in times of hurry and haste or any other situation he might commit mistakes which can be either fatal for him or other person. Taking into consideration all such points to maintain discipline on roads, Government came up with Motor Vehicle Act. The Indian parliament had passed the motor vehicles act in 1988.To regulate all such aspects of road transport vehicles Motor vehicle Act has been enacted by the Government of India. The Act came into force on July 1st, 1989. Traffic regulations, vehicle insurance, motor vehicles registration , permits and penalties everything is included in the Act and one has to act accordingly.
The Government with consultation with state transport ministers came up with Motor Vehicles Bill to make amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 with a view to provide safety on roads. The Lok Sabha passed the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill 2017 On 10th April , 2017. The bill was cleared by Rajya Sabha on July 31,2019. 108 votes were in favour of and 13 votes were against the bill. The amendments were made by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. A huge increase in penalties for violating traffic rule is one of the proposal in the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill 2019. Other proposals include protection to the citizens, catching hold of infrastructure builders and vehicle owners for traffic violations or any criminal act by juvenile drivers. Most of the amendments have come into effect from September 1 2019. The errors in driving might dent drivers pocket hugely so being careful is all one has to be.
Some of the important proposals in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill are mentioned below however there are many others too :
⦁ One will get a driving license and vehicle registration done only if he or she has Aadhar card.
⦁ The government has agreed to pay compensation to the victim’s family in hit and run case of ₹2 lakhs. Earlier it was ₹25000
⦁ For violating the road regulations the penalty would be from ₹500 to ₹1000. Penalty for offences where no penalty is specifically provided – ₹500 for first offence and ₹1500 for subsequent offences. For not obeying the authority’s orders and not sharing information ₹2000 will be charged.
⦁ Unauthorized Using of vehicles without license and for driving without license – ₹5000
⦁ Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to ₹10000 or both for first offence and for second offence up to 2 yrs. imprisonment or fine up to ₹15000 or both.
⦁ Recalling the vehicles in case any damage or defect is found that is not beneficial for the environment.
⦁ Offences that cause accident or are related to it –Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to ₹5000for first offence and for second offence imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹10000.
⦁ Causing any difficulty in free flow of traffic ₹500 will be charged. If one is driving after disqualification ₹10000 will be charged.